In bowl, soak chopped dates in 1/2 cup boiling water.,Let cool.,______,Beat in eggs, one at a time.,Stir in date mixture and vanilla.,Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and ginger; stir in the date mixture alternately with milk, making 3 additions of dry ingredient and 2 of milk and adding walnuts with last addition.,Pour into 4 - 5 cup loaf pan.,Bake in 350deg.,F (175degC) for 1 hour or until tester comes out clean.,Allow to cool in pan on rack for 10n minutes.,Transfer to rack to cool.